The distinctive flowers of bearded iris appear on strong stems emerging from fans of medium-green, sword-shaped foliage. Each blossom is comprised of three upright petals called “standards”, and three drooping tepals, (petal-like sepals), referred to as “falls”. Fuzzy pads known as “beards” are located at the base of the falls, and give this popular garden staple its common name. The fragrant blooms are pollinated by bees and make striking, though short-lived, cut flowers.

Bearded irises are tough, adaptable perennials which prefer full sun to light shade and rich, well-drained soil. Plant them with the tops of their slowly spreading, fleshy rhizomes exposed to the air, and divide in late summer if the plants become too large or crowded. These rewarding, long-lived irises deserve a prominent spot in the sunny border.